pm_090308 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Further discussion included timeliness of the plan over the short and long-term; and annual amendments to the plan, using this Update as a foundation. Commissioner Gottfried noted new initiatives related to transportation at the state level, for “complete streets,” in reviewing local communities across the state and issues to be considered for incorporation (i.e., transit, pedestrians, bicycles, access points, parking) and the federal initiative to MnDOT to initiate this study by State Aid and Office of Transit in leading that discussion. Commissioner Gottfried suggested that the issue of Master Plans should be kept in perspective, based on future changes. Ms. Radel noted that the Comprehensive Plan is a guide and only one tool in the City’s toolbox, and concurred that it was an ever-evolving and dynamic document. Additional discussion included those items that would require immediate Planning Commission action after approval, such as new business category designations; refinement of existing land use designations; changes to the zoning code; and community or regional businesses. Further discussion ensued regarding steps for community engagement, city obligations, public education of Comprehensive Plan guidelines; undertaking a future zoning study, with anticipated consultant assistance, based on budget requests, and tackling those items of greatest priority first, based on timing within nine (9) months for official controls consistent with the Comprehensive Plan to be in place; recognition that some parcels are currently in conflict with existing zoning; and those items requiring massive changes, or simple modifications. Discussion ensued in how to fund and implement various goals (i.e., replacement of existing cast iron water main piping); funding mechanisms such as the City’s Pavement Management Plan (PMP); involvement of the Planning Commission in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); Housing Section 11.4; Public Land Section 11.5 and a specific process for city-owned properties no longer needed for a public purpose; and whether neighboring communities have identified potential corridors (i.e., Larpenteur and Rice) as potential redevelopment areas in their Comprehensive Plan Updates. Staff was asked to review spelling and grammatical content of the document before final submission to the Planning Commission. Ms. Radel addressed ongoing discussions of staff with neighboring communities regarding border streets and areas needing coordination; with the Rice Street Corridor in the planning process from the transportation perspective with Ramsey County improvements, and tying land use to improvements. Commissioners expressed concern in the requirements/expectations of the Commission in implementing the Comprehensive Plan, and managing regular land use cases and Public Hearings; and asked staff to lay out a proposed process for a two-prong approach for the mechanics of the process, such as a timetable to accomplish the established goals, predicated upon approved budgets and upon receipt of an actual adopted or approved Comprehensive Plan from the Metropolitan Council. Commissioners also asked staff to look into terminology throughout the document related to commitment to implement the plan, or “working toward implementation,” based on City Council consensus. Commissioner Wozniak commented on the “ community engagement,” such as a citizens’ guide, opining that it was a great idea, and encouraged staff to go further by explaining the purpose of and summarizing the plan, to further engage and allow people to have an idea how they can use the plan when responding to proposals in the community that may affect them (i.e., how to prepare for a Planning Commission meeting).